Uttar Pradesh – A record 3.52 lakh toilets constructed in 17 days

The Uttar Pradesh Government has recently jumped to the top of the list of toilets constructed in the country, by building nearly 3.52 lakh toilets in only 17 days. The toilets were constructed as part of a special drive conducted across the country between September 15 and October 2, 2017. About 1,824,549 toilets were constructed throughout India as part of this cleanliness campaign.

Following Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan was next on the list having constructed 254,953 toilets, followed by Karnataka with its 241,708 toilets, built as part of the same initiative.

Bijnor’s Shanpur nagar panchayat was declared to be ‘open defecation free’ last month, and according to reports, a request has been submitted for 12 more city corporations and nagar panchayats in the state to also be declared as open defecation free. These invlude Dhampur, Bijnor, Najibad, Syohara, Zalalabad, Kirthapur, Swamibag, Nagina, Thana Bhavan and Amroha.

Reportedly, officials have also been asked to speed up the process, so that 653 urban local bodies can be declared open defacation free by May 2019.